PLANS to locate a zebra crossing on Plymouth Road, opposite the Texaco garage, have sparked anger from residents concerned about the impact on parking.

The crossing proposed by Devon County Council would mean a loss of parking for the residents of Westbridge Cottages.

A boxed area containing unrestricted parking for up to 14 cars would be maintained, along with three more spaces for overnight use.

But the residents say that will not be adequate to cope with the parking needs associated with the 64 cottages, and have signed a petition calling for the plan to be reviewed.

David and Sue Grigg, who have lived in Westbridge Cottages for more than 30 years, said the availability of parking space near to their house was extremely important to them.

?I work for Western Power, and I need to gain access to my vehicle very rapidly when I?m on call,? said Mr Grigg. ?This is bound to devalue our properties ? people won?t want to live somewhere they can?t park.

?We don?t object to the zebra crossing itself ? it?s the spot they?ve chosen to put it and the fact that people living in the cottages will no longer be able to park.?

Jim Blower, of Westbridge Cottages, said there was a feeling among residents that their concerns were being ignored by the county highways department.

?People are concerned about this scheme for different reasons,? he said.

?Some are simply worried about relatives visiting and not being able to park, while a lot of people are worried about the price of their properties being affected.?

Several of the Westbridge Cottages residents will meet with councillors and highways officials tonight (Thursday) to discuss their parking concerns.

Tavistock?s county councillor, Roy Connelly, felt many of the residents were under the false impression that all their parking places would disappear.

?That simply isn?t the case, of course,? said Cllr Connelly. ?It?s also important to remember that nothing is set in stone yet.

?This is just a proposal in its very early stages and as with any consultation exercise people have the opportunity to respond and put forward any objections they may have.

?That?s the point of Thursday?s meeting. Hopefully we can look at the plan, discuss other options and at least clarify the situation.?

Cllr Connelly said the need for the zebra crossing on Plymouth Road had been highlighted by a Market and Coastal Towns Initiative consultation.

?It?s really aimed at elderly people living in that area who have difficulty crossing the road,? he said.